Department of Numbers

Iowa Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Iowa fell 0.1 percentage points in April 2023 to 2.7%. The state unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Iowa peaked in April 2020 at 10.9% and is now 8.2 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.3% in April 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.4 percentage points. You can also see Iowa unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate April 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.4% -0.1 -0.2
Iowa 2.7% -0.1 +0.4

Note: All comparisons are made with April data as May state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Iowa, National

Iowa monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to April 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Iowa Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Iowa peaked in April 2020 at 183,898. There are now 137,136 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 40,087 in April 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 6,675. Iowa job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons April 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Iowa 46,762 -1,546 +6,675

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Iowa from 1990 to April 2023

Iowa Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Iowa
Unemployment Rate
Iowa
Unemployed
May 2023 3.7%
April 2023 3.4% 2.7% 46,762
March 2023 3.5% 2.8% 48,308
February 2023 3.6% 2.9% 50,083
January 2023 3.4% 3.0% 51,176
December 2022 3.5% 3.0% 52,349
November 2022 3.6% 3.1% 52,851
October 2022 3.7% 3.1% 53,399
September 2022 3.5% 3.1% 52,637
August 2022 3.7% 2.9% 50,662
July 2022 3.5% 2.8% 47,525
June 2022 3.6% 2.6% 44,128